Kelly Schumacher addressed the Board, saying that her son graduated from Da Vinci Science. He joined the Da Vinci Archery team during his high school career and experienced many valuable benefits. Da Vinci's team has won State tournaments and one of its members just won Nationals. Ms. Schumacher advocated for keeping the archery practice and storage space on campus while installing the soccer field.

Mr. Santiago commented that the Choir performance was all over Instagram, and the Boys' Volleyball team did really well, making it to quarter finals, a good showing for jumping up two divisions. Malakai Tuakoi made the Boys' U19 national team, which won Gold at the 2024 NORCECA Continental Championship. The Staff vs Student and Boys vs Girls Volleyball games were very exciting.

Dr. Webber noted that Prom was a fantastic experience for the students, with amazing last-minute work by Matt and the team to pull it off. She also seconded Ms. Schumacher's comments on the Archery Team and Sarah Nitsos. She also commented on the Senior Night and the number of happenings at the end of the year.

Dr. Wunder commented on the national and regional challenges that seep into schools. The ripple effects of the pandemic (learning loss, mental health issues), economic, racial, and political issues affect our schools. California is facing declining enrollment, it's not a popular time in California to be a charter school, and there's greater complexity for Da Vinci Schools. Yet, our relationship with our authorizer Wiseburn USD is stronger than ever, and every day our schools work hard to serve students. The Wiseburn community is open for changes that benefit students. He appreciates Christina Joubert and Carla Levenson's leadership in this area.

Mr. Amato, Mr. Meath and the Board have financially positioned Da Vinci Schools well. The Central Office supports the schools in ways that haven't been seen before. Dr. Wunder is appreciative of the Board's approval of the new Central Office reconfiguration that will help our schools, students, and families.

He thanked the Board for their service to Da Vinci Schools.

Ms. Rodriguez commented that this year, she and her team have been working on staff sustainability initiatives funded by a grant from Charter School Growth Fund in order to support Da Vinci's hardworking staff. The team has been making policy changes, launched an organization-wide Staff Wellness Committee, held a Health & Wellness Fair, and held monthly staff workshops on retirement, home ownership, financial literacy, etc. that will continue into the next school year.

Dr. Webber noted that several of the students are seniors, and asked them to indicate their plans after graduation. Milissa Sutton, Coordinator, introduced the update, thanking the Board and sharing that she will be graduating and going to University of California, Berkeley on a full-ride scholarship, to study African American Studies, Education, and Creative Writing.

Aaron Peters gave the Connect K-8 update, speaking of the Medieval Times field trip, Middle School Dance, POLs, talent show, Sports Night, and upcoming 8th grade graduation.

Liya Nartey thanked the coordinators and said that it has been a wonderful experience. She shared Connect High School's update, noting Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) month, the POL Professional Clothing Drive, the installation of gardens on campus, Blood Drive, Exhibition Night, Senior Prom, and the upcoming Pride Month and Summer Fest events.

Communications Senior Isabella Dimeo, who is headed to UC Davis with an eye toward becoming a psychiatrist, gave the DVC update, noting Career Day, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Spirit Week, Staff and Teacher Appreciation Week, College and Career Signing Day and Senior Awards Night, and last, the Photography Seminar Showcase on May 23 in the Black Box Theater.

Design Senior Kaden Schneider shared that he will be going to USC to study Architecture. He appreciated the opportunity to work on his presentation skills before the Board of Trustees. He gave the DVD update, commenting that a Design student organized the Band Bash for four all-student bands, AAPI Heritage Month Community Dialogue, the 10th Grade Honors Art Show, Decision Day and Senior Awards Night, and the Design Senior Showcase happening concurrently with the Board meeting. 

Sydney Parsons gave the Science update, speaking of the Cal Poly SLO and other college tours, Senior Prom, AAPI Community Dialogue, Teacher Appreciation Week, Senior Week's Awards Night, Beach Day, and Decision Day. Students also visited Loma Linda University School of Allied Health, enjoyed the Evolution Choir performance, and a blood drive, and mental health awareness activities.

Mr. Santiago thanked the students, saying he'd love to see more students get involved with the Board updates next year.

Dr. Webber also thanked the students for sharing their happenings and work over the past school year.

Ms. Carla Levenson spoke about the Wiseburn community events in which Da Vinci students have participated, such as the Wiseburn Middle School Movie Night & Tour, Community Aviation Day; Rock Around the Block, and Spring into SWE. Over 500 students were out in the community, engaging with incoming students and families. The monthly newsletter her team creates has also been spreading the word about Da Vinci Schools and the good work students have done.

Ms. Christina Joubert spoke about Wiseburn Unified, Da Vinci, and Wiseburn Education Foundation meetings, the latest of which will be focused on seminar offerings, and reviewing the results of a survey of incoming Wiseburn Middle School students and families.

She also shared that the new Summer Athletics Camps, created in partnership with WUSD and WEF, are currently 55% enrolled. Marketing has been tailored for the various age groups, co-managers hired, and outreach to current and incoming families continues. She anticipates that enrollment will increase closer to the sign up deadlines.

Dr. Webber thanked Ms. Levenson and Ms. Joubert for their work. Ms. Joubert thanked Ms. Valerie Green for her assistance.

Dr. Wunder acknowledged the assistance of Mr. Gary Wayland, who has decades of experience in putting on these types of programs for kids.

Mr. Michael Amato shared the April balance sheet, P&L, and an update on the Governor's May Revision. He noted the organization's ending balance is normal for this time of year, noting that much of the funding the Da Vinci receives comes in at the end of the year.

He went on to cover the Year to Date Actuals. Second Interim Year End projections are on track to be higher than expected, offset by some expenses due to Financial Literacy certifications for a staff member in order to expand the Financial Literacy course offerings.

Mr. Amato also spoke of the Governor's May Revise, saying that there was less detail than expected, but there are no further negative changes. There will be a 1.07% COLA, which while smaller than previous years, has not been removed. The thinking among other charter school Financial Officers with whom Mr. Amato meets is that the true challenges for public education funding will bear out in 2025-26. 

Brief discussion ensued about the the new positions being factored into the budget.

Mr. Vicente Bravo spoke of the day's walkthrough with the contractor for the Soccer Field. Work will commence on May 28. The anticipated completion date is October 10. Neighboring businesses have been notified. Brief discussion on the 850 seats in the bleachers ensued.

Dr. Wunder shared that all costs to construct the field itself will be paid by Wiseburn. The Da Vinci Board has not yet committed to bleachers, stands, and scoreboards. 

Mr. Bravo noted that once construction begins, the DV team will be meeting weekly with the construction team.

Mr. Bravo shared graduation ceremony information, including the layout for the Gym.

Cafe paperwork has been sent to the Department of Health. The kitchen is still being worked on.

Mr. Bravo shared that the miracle prom was achieved through the generosity of Mr. Richard Lundquist and Mr. Bob Tarnofsky of Continental Development Corp. 

Dr. Webber was very excited to see the soccer field construction commencing. She thanked Mr. Bravo, Dr. Wunder and the team for their work in moving the prom at the last minute. 

Ms. Heimov asked a clarifying question on cost of the trip being fundraised. Dr. Wunder noted that Da Vinci would incur costs for substitute teachers, and the costs of the trip itself would be paid for by the families and fundraising.

Mr. Boston inquired about the general strategy for adding sports. Mr. Bravo shared that it is a non-CIF sport that was piloted, and the cost was examined. At this time, it is a club sport.

Mr. Boston inquired if there is a strategy for adding sports. Dr. Wunder noted that if there is enough interest, the sport is piloted and brought to the Board.

Dr. Webber requested an update on which sports are being evaluated, how many clubs there are, etc. Mr. Boston agreed that he would like to know how many clubs could be expected to be brought to the Board for addition to the Athletics program. 

Closed session entered at 7:12 p.m.

Public Session reconvened at 9:40 p.m.

Dr. Webber reported that no action had been taken in Closed Session, and adjourned the meeting.